Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated in early immune responses against certain viruses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV causes downregulation of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression in infected cells; however, it has been proposed that a class I MHC homolog encoded by CMV, UL18, may act as a surrogate ligand to prevent NK cell lysis of CMV-infected cells. In ...

This report describes the relationship between plasma catecholamine concentrations and natural killer (NK) cell activity in a patient undergoing surgical removal of a phaeochromocytoma. The findings confirm the role of adrenaline as a potent stimulator/inducer of NK cell cytotoxicity in vivo.

Several studies have shown alterations in lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of asbestos workers.' During the past 10 years attention has focused on the role of natural killer (NK) cells, large granular lymphocytes believed to have a role in non-major histocompatibility (non-MHC) restricted cytotoxicity for tumour cells that may result in reduced growth and spread of lung cancer.>4 Stud...

Anti-ganglioside GD2 antibodies mainly work through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and have demonstrated clinical benefit for children with neuroblastoma. However, high-risk neuroblastoma still has a high recurrence rate. For further improvement in patient outcomes, ways to maximize the cytotoxic effects of anti-GD2 therapies with minimal toxicity are required. Activated invari...

A 53-year-old man with no prior medical history was transferred to our hospital because of a 2-month history of dysphagia with throat pain. A complete blood count showed hemoglobin 14.2g/dL, and white blood cell count 11890/mL, and other laboratory findings were within normal limits. An enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed diffuse thickening of the esophageal wall without regional lymp...

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that have long been known to be involved in the recognition and lysis of tumor cells. Despite significant gains in our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate NK cell function, the development of successful NK cell-based therapies has not yet been achieved. However, recent advances in our ability to modulate NK receptor signals and the sen...

Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of innate immune responses to tumors and viral infections. NK cell function is regulated by NK cell receptors that recognize both cellular and viral ligands, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC), MHC-like, and non-MHC molecules. These receptors include Ly49s, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors, a...

Conflict of Interest: The authors of this paper have no conflicts of interest, including specific financial interests, relationships, and/or affiliations relevant to the subject matter or materials included. References 1. Roschewski M, Wilson WH. EBV-associated lymphomas in adults. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2012;25:75-89. 2. Niedobitek G. Epstein-Barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of n...

Immunoligands for stimulatory natural killer (NK)-cell receptors can be targeted to the surface of malignant cells by fusing them to antibody fragments. Mimicking an "induced-self" phenotype, such recombinant immunoligands signal danger, trigger NK-cell cytotoxicity and synergistically enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. These findings may be translated into novel immunotherapeuti...